desto
the (more/less) — correlative in 'the … the …' constructions
particle DES-to Rare
Usage Note
Desto only appears as the second element of a correlative comparative: je mehr … desto besser ('the more … the better'). It cannot stand alone and is not interchangeable with umso in all registers, though the two are broadly synonymous in modern German.
Examples
"Je länger man wartet, desto schwieriger wird es."
Natural Translation
The longer you wait, the harder it gets.
Literal Translation
The longer one waits, the harder becomes it.
Related Words
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